Need help in deciding an air conditioner - 1 ton vs 1.5 ton

ToroVolante

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I am confused whether I should go for 1 ton or 1.5 ton. My room is around 100sqft, but it is on the top floor and I rented this place and might shift elsewhere in a year. I want to know if running 1 ton and 1.5 ton would cost around the same, if I buy the convertible AC or is that just a marketing gimmick.

I have narrowed down to 2 ACs. Would probably pick LG if I only need 1 ton.

LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star US-Q19YNZE​

Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star CS/CU-NU18AKY5WX​

 
Convertible AC is probably just one with a variable speed compressor. Ideally, your room should be cooled effectively with a 1 ton unit. However, the amount of glass area (windows), whether you can use heavier curtains and other factors (target temp, outside temp, humidity, number of people / other heat source in the cooled space, usage pattern, i.e., day vs night, outdoor unit placement, even distance from indoor to outdoor unit) affects cooling performance.

I'll try to give an example. I'm from Kolkata where summers can get quite hot, but the humidity is even worse. However, we have a pretty old house with thick walls. My room has two 15 sqft windows and two 21 sqft doors. Room size is approximately 300 sqft which is cooled by a single 1.5 ton unit without any problems. In fact I've seen it run at 50 - 60% capacity except on the hottest of days where it operates close to its full power.

So you need to factor in all of these before you can size an AC appropriately. Try using one of those ac tonnage calculators online but be mindful of the fact that they typically oversell, at least from my experience. The recommended size for my room was 2 TR, but I'm happy with my decision of going with s smaller unit. Also, if your daily runtime is limited (say < 6 hours), you will probably not save much electricity cost with a inverter unit (variable speed) over a fixed speed unit.
 
Convertible AC is probably just one with a variable speed compressor. Ideally, your room should be cooled effectively with a 1 ton unit. However, the amount of glass area (windows), whether you can use heavier curtains and other factors (target temp, outside temp, humidity, number of people / other heat source in the cooled space, usage pattern, i.e., day vs night, outdoor unit placement, even distance from indoor to outdoor unit) affects cooling performance.

I'll try to give an example. I'm from Kolkata where summers can get quite hot, but the humidity is even worse. However, we have a pretty old house with thick walls. My room has two 15 sqft windows and two 21 sqft doors. Room size is approximately 300 sqft which is cooled by a single 1.5 ton unit without any problems. In fact I've seen it run at 50 - 60% capacity except on the hottest of days where it operates close to its full power.

So you need to factor in all of these before you can size an AC appropriately. Try using one of those ac tonnage calculators online but be mindful of the fact that they typically oversell, at least from my experience. The recommended size for my room was 2 TR, but I'm happy with my decision of going with s smaller unit. Also, if your daily runtime is limited (say < 6 hours), you will probably not save much electricity cost with a inverter unit (variable speed) over a fixed speed unit.
I live in Hyderabad, so temps do go high, but it is dry af. I pretty sure 1 ton just meets the requirement of the room. Furthermore, I am going to run the AC for 15+ hours, so it makes sense for me to go with inverter. Non inverter AC are quite old models and there is no way I am going for those. I don't mind buying higher tonnage as long as it doesn't impact my elec bill too much.
 
Get the 1.5 ton model which can run at lower capacity (convertible). Running cost would be tiny bit more but the 1.5 ton will be beneficial on those extra-hot days and also when you have guests over.
 
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Too high a tonnage for your space might not be effective as it can only operate at specific steps and if the lowest step cools at a rate faster than you can heat up the room, it will just turn off the compressor and behave like a non inverter AC.

If you can find one, look for a 1.2 ton or look for models which can operate even at 25% capacity.
 
I live in Hyderabad, so temps do go high, but it is dry af. I pretty sure 1 ton just meets the requirement of the room. Furthermore, I am going to run the AC for 15+ hours, so it makes sense for me to go with inverter. Non inverter AC are quite old models and there is no way I am going for those. I don't mind buying higher tonnage as long as it doesn't impact my elec bill too much.
Sounds right. When you say top floor, which floor exactly? becz if it is some highrise with 10+ floors, the temps would feel very high, given that hyd usually is 40+ in summers.
 
Too high a tonnage for your space might not be effective as it can only operate at specific steps and if the lowest step cools at a rate faster than you can heat up the room, it will just turn off the compressor and behave like a non inverter AC.

If you can find one, look for a 1.2 ton or look for models which can operate even at 25% capacity.
Cant find good ones in 1.2-1.4 range, like the warranty on those are atrocious. If you have recommendations, please link them. The ones I selected run at a minimum of 40%.
Sounds right. When you say top floor, which floor exactly? becz if it is some highrise with 10+ floors, the temps would feel very high, given that hyd usually is 40+ in summers.
8th floor. But I am not risking it this summer, felt like I needed an ice bath every time I woke up last summer.
Get the 1.5 ton model which can run at lower capacity (convertible). Running cost would be tiny bit more but the 1.5 ton will be beneficial on those extra-hot days and also when you have guests over.
Which AC do you recommend?
 
Cant find good ones in 1.2-1.4 range, like the warranty, those are atrocious. If you have recommendations, please link them. The ones I selected run at a minimum of 40%.

8th floor. But I am not risking it this summer, felt like I needed an ice bath every time I woke up last summer.

Which AC do you recommend?
We shudn't risk for anything above 2nd floor. Hyd has become like a furnace in summers.
 
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I've had good experiences with LG units (have 3 at home). And the worst experience with Bluestar after sales support (the unit is rock solid though). Not sure about other brands. I'd recommend you ask in your area as support varies with location. Get the highest ISEER rating you can find in your budget; it varies even between different 5* units.
 
I've had good experiences with LG units (have 3 at home). And the worst experience with Bluestar after sales support (the unit is rock solid though). Not sure about other brands. I'd recommend you ask in your area as support varies with location. Get the highest ISEER rating you can find in your budget; it varies even between different 5* units.
Are these older LG models or later ones?

I've seen a guy called geeky ranjit's video on youtube where he says that daikin and panasonic 1.5 ton cooling is almost equal to lg 2 ton's cooling.
 
I am confused whether I should go for 1 ton or 1.5 ton. My room is around 100sqft, but it is on the top floor and I rented this place and might shift elsewhere in a year. I want to know if running 1 ton and 1.5 ton would cost around the same, if I buy the convertible AC or is that just a marketing gimmick.

I have narrowed down to 2 ACs. Would probably pick LG if I only need 1 ton.

LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star US-Q19YNZE​

Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star CS/CU-NU18AKY5WX​

Would prolly pick the 1.5 ton given its hyd and you are on the top floor. During summer hyd becomes a furnance tbh.
 
I've had good experiences with LG units (have 3 at home). And the worst experience with Bluestar after sales support (the unit is rock solid though). Not sure about other brands. I'd recommend you ask in your area as support varies with location. Get the highest ISEER rating you can find in your budget; it varies even between different 5* units.
Highest ISEER I found is 5.2 - LG, Panasonic, Daikin. Not going for Daikin as it is not convertible. Panasonic is first choice as it is cheaper with Wi-Fi support. Need to assess Panasonic Service quality.
LG, just because of its own service network. I've heard that LG guys use proper tools for installation.
If you are specifically looking for a 5-star model then get the 2025 range.
Would have definitely gone for that if the Wi-Fi version was not too expensive.
Are these older LG models or later ones?

I've seen a guy called geeky ranjit's video on youtube where he says that daikin and panasonic 1.5 ton cooling is almost equal to lg 2 ton's cooling.
Saw a YouTube review by a guy who only reviews Home Appliances. His top 3 were LG, Panasonic and Daikin. I have heard very good things about Daikin, but unfortunately it is not convertible. LG is apparently excellent at after sales support. Panasonic is loaded with features, need to assess after sales support.
 
My wife bought a Vestar 1.5 ton AC during 2020 Covid lockdown because none others are available from Bajaj Electronics in Hyderabad and is still going strong until now, only changed Gas in 2023. But need to change remote batteries every 2 months using Nippon Gold ones.
 
My wife's uncle's who are industrialists always have Hitachi & Daikin 2 to 4 ton acs either in their homes or offices. KIMS hospital in Secunderabad have all Bluestar acs either split, ceiling or standing detachable acs. In 2017 while I was having bariatric surgery I used to sit close to those standing acs every time I go for tests and wait there.
 
My wife's uncle's who are industrialists always have Hitachi & Daikin 2 to 4 ton acs either in their homes or offices. KIMS hospital in Secunderabad have all Bluestar acs either split, ceiling or standing detachable acs. In 2017 while I was having bariatric surgery I used to sit close to those standing acs every time I go for tests and wait there.
Ya, bluestar and voltas show up everywhere. Bluestar claims they've been making ACs for 50+ years and still aren't considered as top choice compared to daikin, lg, mitsu, panasonic etc.
 
Are these older LG models or later ones?
From 2019, 2022 and 2023.
Would have definitely gone for that if the Wi-Fi version was not too expensive.
You can use a smart remote hub to mimic your ac remote and works on voice commands (voice assistant integration) to get all wifi features. If you require energy monitoring, smart plugs can help. Please check Amazon and do not pay too much premium or compromise on other features for Wifi enabled models. One feature I find really helpful is the 4 way swing as it helps circulate the air better in the room.
Bluestar claims they've been making ACs for 50+ years
Their primary customer base is commercial clients like offices, etc. For home use, they do build solid units (I have one from 2018, the outdoor for the 1.5 ton model weighs 50kg), but their main problem is with after sales support. They are solely reliant on these local service providers and the companies they tie up with are the worst in the market. Their centralised customer support does nothing but forwards requests, even complaints, to the nearest service center. No spares are available in the open market so other service providers like Urban Company, refuses to work on Bluestar products.
 
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My wife's uncle's who are industrialists always have Hitachi & Daikin 2 to 4 ton acs either in their homes or offices. KIMS hospital in Secunderabad have all Bluestar acs either split, ceiling or standing detachable acs. In 2017 while I was having bariatric surgery I used to sit close to those standing acs every time I go for tests and wait there.
I don't think we can compare with industrial units, as they might get corporate discounts. But I have heard the Japanese manufactures pack a serious punch.
Ya, bluestar and voltas show up everywhere. Bluestar claims they've been making ACs for 50+ years and still aren't considered as top choice compared to daikin, lg, mitsu, panasonic etc.
80 years according to their marketing material now.
From 2019, 2022 and 2023.

You can use a smart remote hub to mimic your ac remote and works on voice commands (voice assistant integration) to get all wifi features. If you require energy monitoring, smart plugs can help. Please check Amazon and do not pay too much premium or compromise on other features for Wifi enabled models. One feature I find really helpful is the 4 way swing as it helps circulate the air better in the room.

Their primary customer base is commercial clients like offices, etc. For home use, they do build solid units (I have one from 2018, the outdoor for the 1.5 ton model weighs 50kg), but their main problem is with after sales support. They are solely reliant on these local service providers and the companies they tie up with are the worst in the market. Their centralised customer support does nothing but forwards requests, even complaints, to the nearest service center. No spares are available in the open market so other service providers like Urban Company, refuses to work on Bluestar products.
Smart remote hub + Smart plug was a great suggestion. But difference between LG Non Wi-Fi vs LG Wi-Fi is 2k. :expressionless:
Difference between Panasonic Wi-Fi(45k) vs LG Wi-Fi(49k) is 5k. Panasonic only comes in Wi-Fi, I think.
 
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From 2019, 2022 and 2023.

You can use a smart remote hub to mimic your ac remote and works on voice commands (voice assistant integration) to get all wifi features. If you require energy monitoring, smart plugs can help. Please check Amazon and do not pay too much premium or compromise on other features for Wifi enabled models. One feature I find really helpful is the 4 way swing as it helps circulate the air better in the room.

Their primary customer base is commercial clients like offices, etc. For home use, they do build solid units (I have one from 2018, the outdoor for the 1.5 ton model weighs 50kg), but their main problem is with after sales support. They are solely reliant on these local service providers and the companies they tie up with are the worst in the market. Their centralised customer support does nothing but forwards requests, even complaints, to the nearest service center. No spares are available in the open market so other service providers like Urban Company, refuses to work on Bluestar products.
For a company which makes those products for 80 years and still needs third party service providers, it's a shame.

Smart remote hub + Smart plug was a great suggestion. But difference between LG Non Wi-Fi vs LG Wi-Fi is 2k. :expressionless:
Difference between Panasonic Wi-Fi(45k) vs LG Wi-Fi(49k) is 5k. Panasonic only comes in Wi-Fi, I think.
Are you checking on Amazon or any local stores?

Saw a YouTube review by a guy who only reviews Home Appliances. His top 3 were LG, Panasonic and Daikin. I have heard very good things about Daikin, but unfortunately it is not convertible. LG is apparently excellent at after sales support. Panasonic is loaded with features, need to assess after sales support.
I too was interested in Daikin and was my 1st pref bcz my neighbors suggested (they were not happy with their 2020 LG 3 star AC), but hearing that they have only 3rd party service providers and some redditors complained Daikin had terrible service in their neighborhoods (some areas in Hyd), I couldn't go with Daikin.